Shot on Film

35 mm (135 Film)

Medium Format

35 mm (135 Film) / Half Frame

Large Format

Miniature Format

Ultra Large Format

Shot Digital

Analog photography, which uses traditional film and chemical processes to create photographs, offers several unique advantages or "pros" compared to digital photography. This requires considering comparable recording formats respective the sensor sizes and thus the corresponding optics:

See also:

Pros of Analog Photography compared to Digital Photography

Aesthetic Quality:
Analog photographs often have a distinct aesthetic quality that many photographers and viewers find appealing. The grain, color rendition, and tonal range of film can create a different look that is not (easily) replicated by digital cameras.
Tangible and Tactile Experience:
Working with film and/or paper involves physical processes, such as enlarging film in a darkroom. This hands-on experience can be enjoyable and rewarding for many photographers who appreciate the tactile nature of analog photography.
Slowing Down and Mindfulness:
Shooting with film often requires more deliberate and thoughtful approach, as each frame costs money and time for film, Development and post processing.
Limited Exposure Options:
Analog film has often limited dynamic range compared to digital cameras, which can lead to more careful consideration of exposure settings.
Unique creative possibilities:
Analog photography offers creative possibilities that may not be easily replicated in digital photography. Techniques such as cross-processing, and alternative printing methods can produce unique and experimental results that may be challenging or time-consuming to achieve in the digital realm.
Longevity and archival quality:
Properly processed and stored film negatives and prints can have excellent archival quality and can last for many decades, if not longer. This can make analog photographs a reliable and durable form of documentation and preservation of memories or important events. That applies especially due to the independence from the lifespan of digital media, their formats, or programs.
Authentic and "real" Feel:
Some photographers and viewers appreciate the authenticity and "real" feel of analog photographs. Film captures light in a different way compared to digital sensors, and the imperfections, quirks, and serendipitous moments that can arise in the analog process can result in unique and genuine images that are cherished by many.
Higher Visual "Pseudo" Resolution, when Scanned in "low" Resolution:
The silver grain especially of black and white film creates when enalarged a sharp "pseudo" resolution in parallel aside of of "normal" resolution". This is hard to impossible to scan with available digital scanning methods requiring much higher resolution to modell also the grain. But when printed analog above certain dimensions, this grain becomes visible and is hard to beat by digital effects.

Pros of Digital Photography compared to Analog Photography:

Cost- and Time Effective:
Digital photography eliminates the need for film rolls and processing, which are expensive and time consuming. Once you have a digital camera and memory, you can take virtually unlimited photos without incurring significant additional costs.
Instant Preview:
With digital photography, you can instantly preview the photos you have taken on the camera's LCD screen. This allows you to review and retake photos on the spot, ensuring that you get the desired shot before leaving the scene.
New Cameras and Lenses:
The manufacturers almost completely discontinued the production of analog cameras from around 2000 to 2010. While current (2023) 35mm (Type 135) lenses for digital cameras, often (Nikon*, Canon, etc.), are still compatible with analog cameras of the same brand, this does not apply to other formats. In general, it can be summarized that all analog cameras and lenses were manufactured before 2000. This is mind it is to say that also any kind of repair becomes difficult due to lack of parts and knowledgeable people.
Convenience and Accessibility:
Digital photos can be easily stored, shared, and transferred digitally. You can upload your photos to your computer, share them on social media, email them to friends and family, or back them up to the cloud. Digital photos can also be easily edited and enhanced using photo editing software, providing endless creative possibilities.
Flexibility and Control:
Digital cameras offer a wide range of settings and shooting modes, allowing you to have greater control over the exposure, focus, and other parameters. You can experiment with different settings and see the results in real-time, which allows for more creative freedom and flexibility in capturing your vision.
Longevity and archival quality:
Digital data does not undergo degeneration or aging over time. Even if the storage medium itself deteriorates or ages, 1:1 duplicates can always be created using error-correcting algorithms and systems. There are also long-term storage media like M-DISC*, and digital data can even be stored in analog form, such as on microfilm or microfiche.
Higher Image Quality:
Digital cameras often have higher resolution sensors and advanced image processing capabilities, resulting in higher image quality compared to traditional film cameras of same sansor / film size. Digital photos can be printed in large sizes without losing much detail.
Ease of Sharing and Printing:
Digital photos can be easily shared online with friends, family, or clients, allowing for instant sharing and feedback. Additionally, digital photos can be easily printed using a home printer, or through professional photo printing services, giving you control over the final output and allowing for quick and convenient printing.
Workflow Efficiency:
Digital photography allows for streamlined workflow and faster turnaround times. You can quickly import, sort, and organize your photos on your computer, and apply batch editing to multiple photos at once, saving time and effort compared to traditional film processing.
Ability to shoot in low light:
Many digital cameras have high ISO sensitivity settings, allowing you to capture photos in low light conditions without the need for additional lighting equipment. This makes digital photography suitable for various scenarios, including indoor, night-time, and low-light photography.
Smartphones - Always with you:
Smartphone cameras, with their features and form factors, are always with you and allow you to capture images in situations that typically no other camera can.
Environmental Impact:
Digital cameras generate less waste per shot compared to any analog cameras.

My Conclusion(s)

Analog Photography - Aesthetic Quality:
In my opinion, analog-created images can have a different (but not necessarily better) aesthetic quality than purely digital images, provided that at least one process step (either capture or physical representation, known as enlargement) is analog. I see more potential in using larger analog capture formats than 135 or small medium format, which are also possible digitally, as the most important factor, as well as the "practical compulsion" to primarily use black-and-white material. The later is a "practical compulsion" due to a) the high costs and efforts associated with color, but also b) the limited possibilities for refinement.
Digital Photography - All Pros listed:
The sum of the advantages makes digital photography the better or at least equally capable technology for most photographic subjects and the images created from them. Additionally, in my opinion, digital processing brought the breakthrough or liberation in color, even if the original image was captured on film.

20.12.24

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